Ramsen Kasha, MBA, MA, CADC, LCPC

Executive Director of Hazelden in Chicago

Ramsen Kasha, is the executive director of Hazelden in Chicago, part of the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation. Kasha has worked in the field of addiction treatment and mental health for over 14 years and at Hazelden in Chicago since 2005. At Hazelden, his roles have included working clinically in the structured recovery housing as well as primary programming; supervising the Intake department; and serving as the clinical director before assuming the position of executive director in 2013.

Kasha is a licensed clinical professional counselor and a certified alcohol and drug abuse counselor in the State of Illinois. He holds dual undergraduate degrees in psychology and sociology.

He received his master's degree in human services counseling and professional graduate certificates in addictions counseling and employee assistance counseling from National Louis University. Kasha also obtained an MBA in healthcare administration from the University of Phoenix. He is a member of the American Mental Health Counselors Association, American Counselors Association, and MENSA.

Prior to joining the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation, Kasha provided early intervention education to adults while employed as a counselor with a major hospital in the Chicagoland area. He completed advanced training in Pathological Gambler Counseling and Providing Risk Education for DUI offenders in Illinois. Through his private practice, he also facilitated a process group for male survivors of sexual abuse and case consultation for professionals.

Kasha is a popular presenter on a variety of topics, including;

Motivational Interviewing

Differences Between the Coaching Model and Counseling

The Epidemic Rise of Opioid Use in America

Trends in Drug Use and Addictions Treatment.

Years of experience counseling individuals and families struggling with substance use and mental health issues has made Kasha an excellent resource for the media. He has appeared in the Chicago Tribune, Chicago Daily Herald, Medill News and is at ease in broadcast interviews completed for NBC and WGN in Chicago.

The Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation is a force of healing and hope for individuals, families and
communities affected by addiction to alcohol and other drugs. It is the nation's largest
nonprofit treatment provider, with a legacy that began in 1949 and includes the 1982 founding
of the Betty Ford Center. With 17 sites in California, Minnesota, Oregon, Illinois, New York,
Florida, Massachusetts, Colorado and Texas, the Foundation offers prevention and recovery
solutions nationwide and across the entire continuum of care for youth and adults.